Karim Benzema faces charges in Valbuena sex tape case

France striker Karim Benzema has been charged with conspiracy to blackmail and participating in a criminal group as part of a probe over a sex tape involving teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

The Real Madrid forward was charged after being brought before a judge at the Versailles court following a night spent in custody, the prosecutor’s office said.

Benzema, who has been freed pending further investigation, faces a maximum prison sentence of five years.

He was also placed under judicial supervision, meaning he cannot meet with the victim or other people charged in the case.

Investigators are trying to find out if he played a role in the extortion attempt targeting Valbuena, and if he actually tried to blackmail the Lyon midfielder.

Benzema and Valbuena play for France’s national team. But because of the case, France coach Didier Deschamps will not be able to use both players at the same time during the probe.

Three other people have been handed preliminary charges over the case since October.

The investigation started this year when Valbuena decided to take legal action after being contacted by a man claiming to be in possession of an incriminating sex tape.